Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay Good News

~ John W. Howell

 

Photo of Alan Babin during the community honor ceremony of his home – Photo courtesy of the Austin Statesman

Today’s good news is a local story about an American hero who lives here in Lakeway. Alan Babin was excited to become a Lakeway resident for many reasons, not the least of which is that he is able to leave his home independently in his wheelchair.

The Gary Sinise Foundation gave Babin and his family a smart home in 2018 adapted to his specific needs, a significant gift for the injured U.S. Army corporal who served as a medic in the 82nd Airborne Division. Due to the wounds he received 20 years ago, he has had to work hard to be able to do many everyday tasks.

On March 31st, the city declared it Alan Babin Day in honor of the 20th anniversary of surviving catastrophic wounds during his service in Iraq. Alan was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor and Purple Heart for his actions to save another. The proclamation issued by the city tells more of the story.

There was a unique open house at the airpark to honor Alan, and we will be visiting that open house on Sunday. The good news here is that a community cares about one of its own who sacrificed his own health and safety for another. Today’s JohnKu talks about honor. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Sacrifice by John W. Howell © 2023

Where do we find those,

Who are willing to give all . . .

To save another.

 

70 thoughts on “Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay Good News”

  10. This post made me smile and cry at the same time, John! (But in a totally “Fri-Yay” way!)

    Heroes like this deserve our admiration and respect, and all we can do to make their lives easier. I’ve been a monthly supporter of Gary Sinese, Wounded Warriors, and Tunnels to Towers for years now, and wish I could do even more.

    Blessings to every single person who honored Alan Babin in this beautiful way, and I hope he knows there are many, many of us who are grateful for his service, and wishing him happy days ahead.

    Thank you for sharing. This absolutely made my day! 😀 ❤

    Like

  15. This is a fantastic story, John. A well-deserved recognition for one of our heroes. And Gary Sinise has done so much for our vets – I really think a lot of him.

    Liked by 1 person

  17. Good story John. Here is to the Gary Sinise Foundation for recognizing and assisting our military veterans and especially to Alan Babin for his bravery, service, and sacrifice to our nation.

    Liked by 1 person

  23. We need more men like Corporal Babin and more of us to honor them. I have a kinship with this story since my son will have his 20 in with the 82nd Airborne next year. My gratitude to Gary Sinise (another unsung hero) and his Foundation.

    Liked by 1 person

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  30. Lovely JohnKu! Well, you find one of those special guys in Lakeway.

    This is a good story, John.
    I’m often frustrated about Vets that slip through cracks, live in the streets and stories about Vets’ hospitals not being up to snuff.

    I’m against war, but those who start them are not. So we need our servicemen, and they should be set up for life.
    🎖OX 🎖OX 🎖OX 🎖OX

    Liked by 1 person

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